Eucalyptus tree named ‘G1’

ABSTRACT

A new  Eucalyptus grandis  tree particularly distinguished by having a fast growth rate, average frost tolerance, and good coppicing properties, is disclosed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FEDERAL RESEARCH SUPPORT

The present invention was supported in part by funds from the U.S.Government. The U.S. Government therefore may have certain rights in theinvention.

Genus and species: Eucalyptus grandis.

Variety denomination: ‘G1’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety ofEucalyptus, botanically known as Eucalyptus grandis, and hereinafterreferred to by the variety name ‘G1’. It is characterized by having afast growth rate, average frost tolerance and good coppicing propertieswhen grown under normal forestry practices in Florida.

‘G1’ originated from a group of 31,725 seedlings of Eucalyptus grandis.‘G1’ is the result of open-pollination in a third-generation seedlingseed orchard at Palmdale, Fla. The female (seed) parent of ‘G1’ is theproprietary Eucalyptus grandis seedling selection with theidentification number ‘1007’ (unpatented) characterized by its fastgrowth and average frost tolerance. The male (pollen) parent of ‘G1’ isunknown. The maternal parent (1007) originated from open-pollination.The female (seed) parent of ‘1007’ is the proprietary Eucalyptus grandisseedling selection with the identification number ‘91’ (unpatented)characterized by its good growth and acceptable frost tolerance. Themale (pollen) parent of ‘1007’ is unknown. ‘G1’ was selected as a singleclone from the progeny of the above stated open-pollination duringFebruary 1982.

‘G1’ was first asexually propagated in June of 2007 in Lake Alfred, Fla.through cuttings and in vitro propagation. Asexually propagated trees of‘G1’ have remained true to the original selected tree, and allcharacteristics of the tree have been transmitted and retained throughthree successive asexual vegetative generations.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this cultivar have not been applied for. ‘G1’has not been made publicly available more than one year prior to thefiling of this application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH(S)

This new Eucalyptus tree is illustrated by the accompanying photographswhich show the tree's form and foliage. The colors shown are as true ascan be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures. Thephotographs are of a tree approximately 13-years old.

FIG. 1 shows the overall plant habit including foliage.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up of the mature leaves.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up of the bark.

FIG. 4 shows the upper branches.

FIG. 5 shows the seeds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CULTIVAR

The following detailed description sets forth the distinctivecharacteristics of ‘G1’. The present botanical description is that of13-year-old trees growing near Mulberry, Fla. The colors (except thosein common terms) are described from The R.H.S. Colour Chart published byThe Royal Horticultural Society in London (second edition), inassociation with the Flower Council of Holland.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

-   Classification:    -   -   Botanical.—Eucalyptus grandis var. ‘G1’.        -   Common name.—Eucalyptus.-   Parentage:    -   -   Female parent.—‘1007’ (unpatented).        -   Male parent.—Unknown.-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Height: 12.6 m. Spread: About 4.0 m.        -   Vigor.—Average.        -   Density.—Open.        -   Form (overall shape of tree).—Narrowly upright with somewhat            drooping branches.        -   Growth habit (current season).—Evergreen.-   Trunk and branches:    -   -   Trunk texture.—Smooth at top, rough at base.        -   Trunk bark color.—Mottled grey-brown.        -   Branch texture.—Glabrous.        -   Branch color.—Green.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size (lamina average).—Length: 10.0 cm to 20.0 cm. Width:            1.5 cm to 3.0 cm.        -   Type.—Simple, petiolate, alternate, persistent.        -   Shape.—Narrow lanceolate, slightly sickle shaped.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Acute, can be slightly unequilateral.        -   Margin.—Smooth.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface: Glabrous. Lower surface:            Glabrous.        -   Color.—Upper surface: RHS 126C (Dark green). Lower surface:            RHS 124B (Light green).        -   Petiole.—Shape: Slightly flattened, groove at top. Length:            1.5 cm to 2.5 cm. Width: 0.1 cm to 0.2 cm. Color: RHS 144D            (Pale green). Texture: Smooth.-   Flowers:    -   -   Type.—Clustered.        -   Blossom period.—Mid-August to late-September.        -   Fragrance.—Mild.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Stamen number.—Many.        -   Anther color.—White.        -   Anther filament length.—About 1.0 cm.        -   Pistil number.—1.        -   Pistil length.—Less than 1.0 cm.-   Fruit/seed (if produced):    -   -   Size.—Length: 0.5 cm to 0.7 cm. Width: 0.5 cm to 0.6 cm.        -   Shape.—Pyriform.        -   Texture.—Smooth, woody.        -   Apex.—Cuspidate.        -   Base.—Attenuate.        -   Color.—Immature: Green. Mature: Brown.        -   Stalk.—Short.-   Resistance/tolerance to diseases/pests: No unusual susceptibilities    noted.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL AND KNOWN VARIETIES

‘G1’ differs from the female parent ‘1007’ (unpatented) by having fastergrowth and better frost tolerance than ‘1007’. In addition, ‘G1’ hasgood coppicing properties.

There are no commercial varieties known to the inventor which can becompared with ‘G1’.

1. A new and distinct variety of Eucalyptus grandis tree as shown and described herein. 